In chemistry class, students are discovering how isotopes help scientists uncover Earth’s climate history. Using simulated ice core samples, they explored how the abundance of two oxygen isotopes in water, along with greenhouse gases trapped in the ice, can reveal temperature changes over time.

Students collected data, created graphs to visualize patterns, and interpreted what those patterns said about past climates. To extend their learning, they analyzed additional graphs and matched sections of data to key historical events—connecting chemistry concepts to real-world stories of how our planet has changed over time.